Human-wildlife conflict management in Kerala

To address rising human-wildlife conflict, the Kerala Forest Department has initiated measures to manage populations of wild boars and native monkeys. Initially, the state authorized rifle clubs to assist in wild boar culling to mitigate a shortage of authorized shooters. This decision allowed local self-government institutions to employ members from the state’s 20 rifle clubs.

Following these developments, the state prepared a proposal for the Central Government to ease legal restrictions under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This includes seeking to reclassify native monkey species from Schedule I to Schedule II and requesting vermin status for wild boars.

To further manage the conflict, the state is expanding the reach of certified wild boar shooters to operate statewide under the oversight of the chief wildlife warden. Additionally, the government plans to increase compensation for fatalities and permanent disabilities resulting from wildlife encounters, while establishing panchayat-level rapid response teams and Forest Liaison Officers to improve coordination.